Putin's China Visit Important: FMs SayChinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov Saturday discussed a range of issues focusing on Sino-Russian relations, and called Russian President Vladimir Putin's forthcoming visit to China a major event in bilateral relations.During the two-hour talks held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here this afternoon, Tang said that both China and Russia are influential countries in the world, and next week's Sino-Russian summit would draw world attention. President Putin's China visit will play an important role in pushing forward the Sino-Russian strategic partnership in the 21st century, according to an official from the Chinese foreign ministry. In the summit, leaders of the two countries are expected to share in-depth exchanges on important international matters, and their talks will have an immeasurable influence on Sino-Russian coordination and cooperation in international affairs, the official quoted Tang as saying. "China is actively making preparations for the visit, and believes that through efforts made by the two countries, President Putin's visit will be a complete success," Tang said. Ivanov, who arrived in Beijing this morning, said that President Putin's China visit is important for both countries and the world at large, adding that bilateral relations have seen good development momentum in recent years. He said the Russian contingent believes that during the visit, leaders of the two countries will map out a long-term development plan for the Sino-Russian relations. At the dawn of the new century, the strengthening of the Sino-Russian relationship will be of key significance to establishing a new world order, the Russian foreign minister said. The two foreign ministers also discussed international issues of common concern. |
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